Bicyclists enjoy 8th annual Lupine Junefest tours

MERCER, Wis. - Bicycle enthusiasts grabbed their bikes and headed out to the eighth annual Lupine Junefest Saturday in Mercer.

The event pays homage to the lupines which grow along the roadside throughout the area. To help attendees view the flowers, the event includes bike tours.

Bike tours included lengths suitable for any rider, ranging from 10-50 miles. More than 160 bicyclists registered for the tours, including residents of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Florida.

All participants were given a complimentary T-shirt, lunch and refreshments at three different checkpoints along the tour.

For those attendees not on two wheels, other activities included a classic car show, arts and crafts fair, silent auction, raffles, live music and refreshments at Carrow Park in Mercer.

"We hold this event to raise money for the bike trail system and to involve the community and provide fun activities for the family," volunteer Jan Peterson said.

Despite the wet weather in the forecast, approximately 170 people attended the event.

"With better weather, we'd be closer to 200," volunteer Shari Younger said.

The plan is to continue the event into the future.

"I hope this event continues to grow," Peterson said.

For more information on the Lupine Junefest, call the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-476-2389 or visit lupinejunefest.org.